Tesla has now officially delivered the bad news in a note to its reservation holders: production of 60-kWh cars won't begin until January, with initial deliveries in "January/early February."

With perhaps a couple of hundred 60-kWh buyers in line ahead of me, and the one- to two-week delivery time from California to my place in New York, it now looks like I'll get my hands on the car in mid- or late February.

Oh, well. At least I'll be missing a lot of cold weather, in which electric cars typically lose substantial range.

Tesla also announced new delivery dates for certain other options not available at the start of production.

Production of the base 40-kWh Model S will begin in March 2013, with deliveries starting in "March/early April."

Cars with the standard coil suspension will also now start production in March. (So far, cars have been built only with the optional $1,500 air suspension.)

I spotted a black Tesla Model S in the wild in Cambridge, MA today. It is the first one I have seen on the streets.

fb_1559222512
Posted: 12/4/2012 4:06pm PST

I have seen a white/pearl color one, red one, black one and a silverish one.

None close up though... I guess a lot of the Tesla owners visit the "wine country" often...

Scott
Posted: 12/4/2012 11:54am PST

I understand anticipation is killer, but relax your car will arrive and you dont need to freak out and write an article or anything.

Roy
Posted: 12/5/2012 5:46pm PST

Writing an article about it is a good thing. We like to hear any news about Tesla, and its delivery policies.

Unfortunately building a new car involves all sorts of issues and unforeseen problems that will affect delivery times. At least Tesla is trying very hard to do the right thing and not compromise quality to meet a delivery schedule.

František
Posted: 12/4/2012 12:19pm PST

Hey David Noland, you are still in better situation then we, EU citizens :-) We don't even know the price yet, not mentioning delivery dates... First deliveries for EU was planed for early 2013 if I remember correctly... Well, that is not going to happen, so we can hope for late March or later delivery ;-)

Dmitriy
Posted: 12/4/2012 12:39pm PST

And you, EU guys, are in much better situation than we here in Russia. The only plug-in car we can buy is MITSUBISHI i-MiEV for about 58000 USD. Also, cold weather and relatively inexpensive fossil fuel makes using EV absolutely unpractical. So, you are lucky to be able to drive a car of the future very soon.

Martin
Posted: 12/4/2012 4:34pm PST

Same in Bulgaria, of course... Yes, some people's getting EVs earlier - just enjoy guys, delays are not a happy face maker, but still c'mon

CDspeed
Posted: 12/4/2012 1:12pm PST

@ David, chin up maybe you'll get lucky and miss the snow and ice so you can take that first drive and keep the car clean.

fb_1559222512
Posted: 12/4/2012 4:07pm PST

Look on the brighter side, who knows if Obama can get the credit up to $10k....

Pat
Posted: 12/5/2012 3:19pm PST

Whats' wrong with Tesla.

They should Deliver Every 60 KWH vehicle they can, and then immediately take them back for Warranty service issues :-)

Lots of computer companies will haul crap to the loading dock, issue a freight ticket and then recall the product for "Issues"

Ravindra
Posted: 12/7/2012 5:48pm PST

David,

I have a P200 with a 60kwh battery, you have to wait till I get mine:-) I asked the Tesla adviser where my car is in the 60khw orders, he said he cannot share that info but its high in the list. My feeling is that there are probably 20-30 Pxxx reservation holders before me.